Anywhere in the world the names Ducasse, Payard, Robuchon, Savoy, and Vongerichten are synonymous with the best of modern French cuisine. Tomorrow evening these giants of gastronomy are joining forces in the Four Seasons kitchen for an unforgettable celebration, a tribute to the interconnectedness of French and American food cultures, and a fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation. Here's what's on the menu:Larry Finn and Pecko Zantilaveevan of the Four Seasons
Foie Gras Lollipops with Quince Gelée
Cucumber-Wrapped Citrus-Cured Hamachi
Tuna and Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Ravioli
Charred Eggplant with Harissa and Pappadam Chips
Baby Lettuce and Herb Hand Rolls
Corn Pudding with Chanterelles and Black Truffles
Beef Tartare with Caviar and Pommes Gaufrettes
Forest Mushroom Tartlets with Crème Fraîche and Fines Herbes
Duck Burgers with Sun-Dried Cherrie

To the chefs who spend their days plating with tweezers and funneling through a chinois, the chance to prepare an honest meal at home can hold a special, or even escapist, appeal.
That's the concept behind Relais & Châteaux's new cookbook, Chefs at Home. While it spotlights elite chefs who prepare elegant and technically demanding cuisine at luxurious properties, the collected recipes are simple and satisfying—this is the food that chefs relish on a night off from the professional kitchen. Looking through the book, we learn that Christopher Brooks of Blantyre loves slow-roasted pork with roast potatoes and savoy cabbage, while JBF Award winner Gary Danko enjoys the ease and versatility of a butternut squash bisque. (Get the recipe here.)
Lest we forget that these chefs perform stu

Here’s what’s happening at the Beard House and around the country next week:
Sunday, November 7, 12:00 P.M.
Quintessential Brunch
New Yorkers have long said that Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman wrote the book on brunch. Now they really have written the book—The Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook comes out the day after this event, where they’ll give Beard House diners a taste of the delicious home-style creations that have inspired a devoted following.
Monday, November 8, 7:00 P.M.
Global American Table
With its lively atmosphere and urban energy, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill has quickly become a must-try destination in Miami’s Midtown district. Timon Balloo, a Michelle Bernstein protégé and Sushi Samba alum, inf

When we were researching regional American pies for our Thanksgiving pie story, we called up Pascale Le Draoulec, author of American Pie: Slices of Life (and Pie) from America’s Back Roads, to find out her favorite slices across the country. Here's what she told us.

1. Apple–blueberry pie from Mammy’s Cupboard in Natchez, MS
“An amazing pie that sat high on its haunches and came with a bittersweet story, too.”

2. The late Emma Duarte’s olallieberry pie at Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero, CA
“A slice of this pie after a bowl of their famous artichoke soup, and you’re a changed person.”

We love the ease of eating an apple out of hand, but our appetites can't keep up with the weekly bushels from our CSAs. Thankfully, Jonathan Bennett of Moxie the Restaurant has given us an quick way to use up some of the haul: this versatile apple–fennel butter.It gives a sweet finish to grilled fish, roast chicken, or your morning toast.